Cookbook Review Bowls Of Plenty
There’s something magical about cookbooks, right? Those glorious pictures! That delicious food! I love them so much! And when I find one that I really like, I want to dance in the streets and sing out loud. Well, ok, that may be a bit “Disney” of me, but it’s true! And the feeling came to me recently when I discovered Bowls of Plenty by Carolynn Carreno.
Dancing and Singing!
When was the last time I picked up a cookbook, read the introduction and found myself smiling and nodding my head? Um, NEVER! Until Bowls of Plenty dropped into my lap. Why was I geeking out over this book? Well, because Carolynn is seriously my sister from another mother! Her view on food mirrors mine. Nutritious food is delicious and it’s not a big deal. She knows what I know, that whole grains are tasty and interesting; that fruits and vegetables are magnificent; and that when you eat them, you feel good. Sigh. Love it! Singing! Dancing!
Bring On the Bowls!
So, now that I have professed my love, let’s talk about the recipes. I haven’t made everything thing in the book yet, but the recipes I have made have been so incredibly delicious. One of my absolute favorites in Grandmother Birdie’s Oatmeal Cocktail with Raisins and Salty Sunflower Seeds. It tastes like something you would find at a fancy brunch spot! It’s hearty, delicious and oozing with flavor – just how I like my oatmeal. I also really love the Farmers’ Market Bowl with Yogurt Green Goddess and Salty Pepitas. This one is full of my favorite veggies, from Brussels sprouts to carrots and it’s loaded with whole grains and lean proteins. Yum!
Beyond Bowls
And Carolynn doesn’t leave you hanging when it comes to ingredients. Each recipe has so many fantastic foods and combinations of them. I simply adore her creativity! Plus, she’s got a great front section in the book that explains about whole grains and how to cook them. A great primer for anyone who’s new to the whole grain scene!
Bottom Line
So here’s the deal, I like this cookbook, in case you didn’t know that already by now. 😉 It’s well written, it’s beautiful and it showcases whole foods in such a fantastic and approachable way. This is the way to build a bowl – Carolynn nailed it!
Win a Copy!
And here’s the good news! If you are a U.S. resident, YOU can win a copy of this book! Yay! What do you have to do? Simply drop a comment below with your name and your favorite whole grain and why! That’s it! I’ll announce the winner on Friday, here on the blog! 🙂
Hungry Now? Try my Southwest Buddha Bowl!
*Disclaimer – I was given a copy of this cookbook for review. But, I want you to know I would wholeheartedly buy it, had it not been given to me. It’s that good! 🙂
What a great book! I love it when you read something and find that instant connection! If you’re saying she’s a sister, then I know I would love this too! Good people know good people I always say! I would have to say one of my favorite whole grains is amaranth! It’s so earthy but hearty and I love that it’s a complete protein, too. I like the puffed version (but you knew that I’m sure lol) and to use it in place of a cereal or oats in granola!
I love amaranth too! Good call Liz! And yes, this book is full of super delicious food! 🙂
Hi Sara! Thanks for sharing Carolynn’s work–those pictures look gorgeous and the idea of a bowl-book is awesome, I have been hooked on trying to make bowls at all my meals now. Hands down, my favorite whole grain is oats! I start most of my days with overnight oats and love how versatile they are for savory meals and energy bars/protein bites 🙂
Her book is really so beautiful and full of gorgeous food! Oh, oats are so awesome! Totally versatile and inexpensive! 🙂
I love brown rice because it makes a great base in many dishes, especially bowl recipes (my favorite meals!). I’ve never tried amaranth but I’m intrigued!
Brown rice is a great grain! I love it too! So versatile! And yes, you’ll love amaranth! 🙂
Brown rice! Yum! I love mixing it with some veggies and trying different things! Looking for some inspiration with the cookbook!
So versatile! Good choice! This book is loaded with inspiration! Good luck!
Virgie!!! Great news! You’re the winner!!!!
Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
You bet!
I love my oats! Love then for breakfast, in muffins, granola, energy bites, ect!
That a girl! Oats are the best! They can be used in so many ways, right? Love them in muffins too!
This book looks awesome! My coworker has recently inspired me to get more into cook books, and now I can recommend one to her! Brown rice is my favorite grain. Quick and so versatile. I especially love it pre-cooked and frozen from Trader Joes 🙂
Awesome! I love that he encouraged you to get more cook books! They are amazing resources! Brown rice is so quick and versatile! And pre-cooked is such a time saver!